Germany dominated possession in the Group B clash but struggled to create clear chances against defensively-minded opposition.They finally found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, at a time when Joachim Low was preparing to replace Gomez with Miroslav Klose.Sami Khedira floated a cross into the box and the Bayern Munich striker showed why he deserved to stay on the pitch, by sending a powerful downward header back across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.Germany had to withstand some late scares, as Cristiano Ronaldo finally showed glimpses of what he is capable of, but they held on to claim a valuable victory.

Germany’s Sami Khedira challenges Portugal’s Miguel Veloso (Reuters)

Low’s men had the better of a lacklustre first half, but rarely looked like breaking the deadlock.

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Arsenal new boy Lukas Podolski had their best chance before half-time, but fired over from Mesut Ozil ‘s centre.

Thomas Muller also had a good opportunity to open the scoring, only to drag his shot across the face of goal after the ball fell to him ten yards out.

Pepe was inches away from giving Portugal the lead in the final minute of the half when his shot from a corner struck the underside of the bar and bounced down on to the goalline before being cleared.

Portugal captain Ronaldo led the appeals for a goal, but replays showed the officials were right to conclude the ball had not crossed the line.

Low’s team continued to be the more adventurous after the interval, but still struggled to test Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

They almost paid the price for their lack of cutting edge in the 64th minute when a clever reverse ball from Joao Moutinho looked to have put Ronaldo through on goal, but Jerome Boateng got back to make a superb block.

Gomez opened the scoring in the 72nd minute and was inches away from adding a second moments later, but couldn’t quite get on the end of Muller’s inviting cross.

Ronaldo finally tested Manuel Neuer with a powerful low shot nine minutes from time, but the German goalkeeper was able to parry the swerving effort to safety.

Neuer made another fine save with time running out, spreading himself to deny substitute Silvestre Varela and secure the win for Germany.